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is the second edition of a series of Rub a
Dub sounds re-released by the UK label SMUGG
RECORDS. Where other labels who specialized
themselves in re-releasing Reggae tend to
lean more towards the more Rootsy Reggae
from the 70's, this label also acknowledges
the quality and timelessness of Jamaican
dancehall music. Rub a Dub music, as early
dancehall was called, is the keyword for
this album. An album containing 19 tracks
with a total length of 66:05. A compilation,
with an impressive line-up: Don Carlos,
Frankie Paul, Gregory Isaacs, Horace Andy,
Johnny Clarke, and many more. All tracks are
highly danceable, and show the many sides of
Rub a Dub as well. Some tracks are mixed
heavily in Dub style, with long parts of
drum and bass, some are programmed, or a
combination. And even the most stiff-necked
haters of programmed music would admit, that
in the majority of tracks the singing is
simply beautiful. Specially nice are the
openings track (Danny Vergo - Champion
Sound), the well-known Don Carlos track Mr.
Big Man and Barry Brown's Next Door Girl.
And not all tracks a voiced by singers,
Danny Dread's Ginal Girl is a nice example
of some rub a dub toasting ("Reggae
Rapping").
Do I have only positive things to say?
Well, in general, yes. It's a really good
compilation of tunes. Ofcourse, not all
tracks could move me. The amount of albums
that deserve the three star "All Killer
No Filler" mark are not many anyway so
that wouldn't make this album exceptionally.
But for those who like to dance on Rub a Dub
tunes: this album is recommended for your
collection. And it would also serve as an
introduction to this style of music to your
friends.
All in all, this album is the one you
play hard at parties, most of the tracks
will make people jump up for some heavy
skanking. And don't let the cover art make
you think that it's only love-songs on the
album, as there's a significant portion of
conscious lyrics on the compilation.
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